Philadelphia-based unit heading from Kuwait to Iraq

By By Staff Sgt. Andy Thaggard / special to The Star
March 5, 2004
MUBARAK, Kuwait The Army's 298th Corps Support Battalion, headquartered in Philadelphia, Miss., is preparing to "go north."
The unit will be moving into western Iraq within the "next couple of weeks," where it will provide logistical and maintenance support primarily to Marines, according to Maj. Lou Formby, a Picayune native who serves as the 298th's executive officer.
Since their arrival in Kuwait in January, members of the 298th have received training to further familiarize troops with assigned weapons using live ammunition in close quarters as well as in convoys.
As the time to enter Iraq draws near, they spend their time preparing vehicles and equipment. Additional armor has been added to vehicles, final maintenance checks have been performed and soldiers have rested up for the upcoming journey.